#169: Made in California

September 5, 2011

Call me sentimental, but “Made in USA” means more than built to last, polished with elbow grease. It means good vibes. My favorite sneaks of all time, the Vans Authentic, were once made in California–where good vibes come from. In 1994 Vans began manufacturing overseas.

Vans Authentics circa early 1980’s, and appropriately patriotic:

Here’s how you can tell an old pair of Vans from a new pair:

– Made in USA on footbed

– Made is USA on back heel

– More narrow, markedly pointier

Currently and happily working through my seventh pair of Authentics, each pair like a notch on my belt. Getting older ain’t so bad, really. Do you remember your first pair of Vans? Do they bring you back? If you haven’t, find yourself a trusty old pair and enjoy them. Wear them out. It’ll feel good.